Mike C.

There are also some kits out there that allow you to bolt on a more efficient compressor too. I haven't tried one but I would look into it if I needed a compressor.

BeerBurner

I'm going to look at all the options right now. I haven't decided if I'm going to stick with R-12, convert to R-134a or what. I think a lot of it depends on what it would cost to do each thing.

Do you have any links to the more efficient compressors?

BB.

Mike C.

Looking through an old Panorama magazine (July 05) I see Vertex selling a Sanden unit with clutch and mounting hardware for $325. RennAire.com also sells one, Griffiths.com

BeerBurner

Cool, thanks. I found one place that has $300 compressors but I'd rather spend the extra couple bucks from a company I've at least heard of.

Does anyone know how difficult it is to replace all of the o-rings on this car? I can imagine that the evaporator (or the condensor, I forget which part is in the center console) will be a bitch to get to. I'd be willing to upgrade to R-134a but it might be too much of a hassle versus just redoing the R-12.

BB.

kwdrus

Replace the expansion valve from the top side. The two o-rings for the evaporator are located on the engine side of the fire wall.

BeerBurner

That sounds too simple.

BB.

kwdrus

It is that simple.

BeerBurner

Thanks! That makes me happy.

BB.

Luis de Prat

On my 83 I went with a Sanden compressor and R134 conversion kit including expansion valve, condensor and drier. Problem is, with the new compressor the tensioner never sat perfectly parallel to the engine like it should. This may be different on an 87?

On the early cars, the evaporator needs to come out to replace the expansion valve. On the 85.5 and newer cars I hear you can, in fact, access the valve from the engine bay by pulling the plastic firewall cover. I charged up the system with R134a myself with a kit from an autoparts store. Quite easy to do, actually.

Good luck!